Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
Not a member yet
2323 research outputs found
Sort by
Effect of Purchase Influence of The Child on The Relationship Between Inclusivity and Child Participation in Leisure Travel Within A Family Setting
No full textChildren's influence on family purchase decisions in leisure travel is growing. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding how this purchase influence affects the relationship between inclusivity and participation outcomes. Previous research has predominantly focused on adult preferences while overlooking how children's purchase influence shapes both inclusivity efforts and participation in family leisure travel. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Purchase Influence of the Child on the relationship between Inclusivity and Child Participation in leisure travel within a family setting. The research was grounded in muted group theory and standpoint theory, which provided frameworks for understanding how children's purchasing power affects their inclusion and participation in leisure travel. A concurrent mixed-method research design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected from 378 parents through questionnaires and 9 children through interviews across four major leisure destinations in Nairobi City County. The reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.809. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results revealed that purchase influence of the child significantly moderates the relationship between inclusivity and participation in leisure travel, evidenced by an increase in R² from 58.1% to 70.9% after introducing the purchase influence variable. The regression analysis showed a positive and statistically significant influence of children's purchase influence on this relationship (β=.301, p = 0.000). The study concludes that children's purchase influence serves as a crucial moderating factor in strengthening the relationship between inclusivity initiatives and participation outcomes in family leisure travel. The study recommends that leisure travel providers develop targeted marketing strategies that acknowledge children as primary stakeholders and implement child-centric product and services development approaches.
Keywords: Purchase, Child, Inclusivity, Child Participation, Leisure Travel, Family Settin
Human Capital Disclosure and Firm Value; Does Audit Committee Size Matters. Evidence from Listed Firms in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
No full textThis study investigates how human capital disclosure and audit committee size affect the value of firms listed on Kenya's NSE, addressing gaps in human capital disclosure in emerging markets and guided by human capital theory and agency theory. The study adopted longitudinal research design, targeting 62 firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) between 2017 and 2021. A census approach was employed, with 53 firms meeting the inclusion criteria, resulting in a 91.4% response rate and 265 observations from 290 panel data points. Secondary data was gathered using a data extraction tool, and analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlation analysis explored variable relationships, while fixed-random regression analysis tested hypotheses using panel data. Based on Hausman test, random effect model was selected which showed that human capital disclosure (β = 1.405, p-value = 0.000 < 0.01), had a significant positive effect on firm value. The hierarchical random-effects regression analysis revealed that audit committee size significantly moderates the relationships between human capital disclosure and firm value (β = 1.79, p < 0.01, R²∆ = 0.001). The study concludes that human capital disclosure is a pivotal factor in enhancing the firm value of listed companies. Furthermore, the findings suggest that firms with larger audit committees are better equipped to effectively utilize their human capital disclosures to bolster firm value. As a result, the study recommends that organizations prioritize strengthening the size and capacity of their audit committees. This enhancement can promote more transparent and effective human capital disclosures, ultimately contributing to improved firm value and overall organizational performance.
Keywords: Human Capital Disclosure, Audit Committee Size, Firms Listed, NSE, Firm Valu
Credit Management Practices and Bad Debt Levels of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textBetween the years 2018 to 2021, the bad debt levels of MFIs in Nairobi City County, Kenya have been increasing by 18% annually. The increasing bad debt levels have negatively affected MFIs’ operations and their profits to the extent of some being declared bankrupt. The general objective of the study is to establish the effect of credit management practices on bad debt levels of microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study include to evaluate the effect of credit risk identification on bad debt levels of microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya, to assess the effect of credit risk monitoring on bad debt levels of microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya, to assess the effect of collection policies on the bad debt levels of microfinance institutions in Kenya, to establish the effects of credit appraisal policies on the bad debt levels of microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya, and to determine the effect of CBK regulations on bad debt levels of microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The theories underpinning this study include; modern portfolio theory (MPT), capital asset pricing model (CAPM), credit risk theory and PRISM model of credit risk management. The study employed a descriptive research design, targeting 54 active microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya, with a sample size of 15 selected through stratified random sampling. Primary data (credit management practices) and secondary data (bad debt levels) were collected using data collection sheets and questionnaires. These were administered to credit managers, finance analysts, accountants, and debt portfolio assistants via the drop and pick technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29, incorporating descriptive statistics, diagnostic tests (normality, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, Hausman test), correlation analysis, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing. The study found that despite implementing credit management practices, microfinance institutions struggled to curb rising bad debt levels due to lenient loan issuance and collection policies. It concluded that instant loans, straightforward application processes, and weak credit monitoring have contributed to high default rates. The study recommends that microfinance institutions adopt AI and big data analytics for improved credit management and establish a shared credit identification system to reduce multiple borrowing and defaults.
Keywords: Credit Management Practices, Bad Debt, Microfinance Institutions, Nairobi City County, Keny
The Influence Health Related Factors on the Utilization of Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textThere global drive towards support adolescents' sexual and reproductive health and rights, access to and use of these services among young people in low- and middle-income countries. However, the utilization of Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services remain inadequate, posing a major challenge to progress in this area. This study aimed to examine the health related factors that may affect the utilization of Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among youths in Nakuru County, Kenya. About two thirds (64%, n=340) of the sampled youths were affirmative to ever- used the Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services which is considered suboptimal. The study established that utilization of Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services is significantly associated with three providers factors namely providers friendliness variable (p=0.000), respectful attitude variable (p=0.000) and providers’ active listening skills variable ( p=0.011). The study also demonstrated that utilization of Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services is significantly associated with two health system factors namely affordability of the service (p=0.001) and privacy and confidentiality variable (p=0.001). This study thus recommends that policies and programs to upscale the utilization of Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services should focus on refining the health providers’ attributes or disposition such as friendliness, respectful attitude and active listening skills. Additionally this study underscores the importance of repackaging the Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services to be affordable and offered in an aura of privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, the curriculums should include the peculiarities or sensitivity of Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in nursing or medical schools to mitigate on the provider gaps demonstrated. It is also imperative for the environment to be alive to the fact that the environment for provision of Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services be conducive, private and confidential.
Key words: utilization, Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services  
Corporate Governance, Inflation and Profitability of Manufacturing and Allied Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya
No full textDespite being recognized as pillars of economic upsurge and development, the manufacturing and allied firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya have consistently faced challenges as far as their profitability is concerned. For instance, in the period 2016-2023, their average value of return on assets stood at -0.0134, meaning significant amount of loses were reported by these firms. Against this background, the study sought to establish the effect of corporate governance and inflation rate on profitability of manufacturing and allied firms listed at the Nairobi Security Exchange in Kenya. More specifically, this study sought to establish the effect of board size, board independence and board diversity on profitability of manufacturing and allied firms listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange. The agency, stewardship, resource dependence and Keynesian theories provided anchorage to the proposed study. The study adopted descriptive survey design targeting 13 manufacturing and allied firms that were listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and census was adopted. Information from auxiliary sources was gathered on a period 2016-2023 and SPSS guided processing. Correlation results were that while board size had a moderate but positive relationship with profitability, board independence also had a moderate but negative relationship with profitability. On the other hand, board diversity and inflation rate all had strong and positive relationship with profitability of the listed manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study concludes that corporate governance and inflation have significant effect on profitability. The study recommends that Capital Market Authority should establish an optimal board size should be used as a benchmark by these listed firms. To improve the profitability of the listed manufacturing firms in Kenya, there is need for more independent and executive directors to be included on boards.
Keywords: Corporate Governance, Board Size, Board Independence, Board Diversity, Inflation, Profitabilit
Helicobacter Pyroli Infection in Patients With Gastro Intestinal Infections Obtaining Care at A District Hospital in Southern Province of Rwanda
Full text linkHelicobacter pylori infection affects 50% of the world's population, with over 70% in developing countries. In Rwanda, 78% of patients with gastric cancer had H. pylori infection however studies estimating its prevalence based on stool antigen test are lacking. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with H. pylori infection among patients with clinical diagnosis of gastrointestinal infection at Kigeme District Hospital, Rwanda. This study used a cross-sectional study design with quantitative approach involving 257 participants and they were selected using simple random sampling method. Selected participants were given structured open questionnaire developed using kobo tool box then data collected were exported in excel sheet, cleaned and entered in SPSS version 21 for further analysis. The study used descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis to examine the association between dependent and independent variables, with variables with p-values below 0.05 considered significantly associated with helicobacter pylori infection. This study revealed that, the prevalence of helicobacter pylori was 19% while family history of H. pylori infection (AOR = 2.268, 95% CI: 1.6–3.43, p = 0.001), eating in restaurant (AOR = 32.83, 95% CI: 13.9–77.5, p = 0.024), consumption of raw or uncooked food (AOR = 130.4, 95% CI: 15.09–112, p = 0.001) were strongly associated with helicobacter pylori. On the other hand, consumption of spicy food(AOR = 0.149, 95% CI: 0.055–0.407, p = 0.001),A access to clean drinking water (AOR = 0.118, 95% CI: 0.045–0.308, p = 0.002), good hand hygiene practices(AOR = 0.247, p = 0.003) and washing hands after using the toilet (AOR = 0.056, p = 0.012),having a pit latrine with a slab(AOR = 0.137, p = 0.017) were protective to helicobacter pylori infection. In contrast, gender was not significantly associated with H. pylori infection (AOR = 1.423, 95% CI: 0.739–2.740, p = 0.292), indicating no substantial difference between males and females. This study concluded that family history, restaurant eating, and raw/undercooked food are associated with helicobacter pylori infection, while access to clean water, good hand hygiene, and pit latrine with slab are protective.
Keywords: Helicobacter, Pyroli Infection, Patients, Gastro Intestinal Infections, Southern Province of Rwand
Analysis of Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela Self-Leadership Components
Full text linkThis research study explores the lives and conduct of Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, two influential leaders who had a significant impact on not only their nations but also the global community. The objective is to compare and contrast the extent to which they applied the various components of Self-Leadership covered in this class. The study also delves into the personal attributes of each leader and examines how these attributes might have contributed to their success or failure in different aspects of leadership during times of crisis. By conducting a comprehensive evaluation of their lives and conduct, this research aims to provide insights into the leadership styles and practices of Churchill and Mandela and shed light on the factors that influenced their effectiveness as leaders.
Keywords: Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Leadership, Self-leadershi
Business Processes Re-Engineering and the Performance of Commercial State-Owned Enterprises in Kenya
No full textCommercial State owned enterprises (CSOEs) in Kenya have recently recorded poor performance forcing the government to constantly bail them through exchequer funding. This has continued to put pressure on the country’s fiscal landscape. To reverse the negative trend, the government implemented business process re-engineering measures. However, to the best of my knowledge, there is no empirical evidence that supported the initiative. This study therefore sought to investigate the effect of business process re-engineering on performance of state-owned enterprises in Kenya. Descriptive survey style of research design was adopted for the study using questionnaire to obtain primary data. Primary data was drawn from a census sample size of 48 Commercial state-owned enterprises where the unit of analysis included two employees from each CSOE comprising of one manager and one head of departments involved in the transformational strategy initiation and implementation for at least the last five years. Out of the 96 questionnaires administered, 81 responses were received reflecting 84.4% response rate. Using Ordinary Least Square, the findings revealed that implementation of business process re-engineering led to an increase performance of Commercial state-owned enterprise by a factor of 0.755. The study concludes that a continuous improvement aimed at redesigning business process reengineering is enough to enhance performance in the state owned enterprise. The study therefore recommends that the state should fully implement Business Processes re-engineering strategy as a means of improving their overall performance of Commercial State-owned Enterprises in Kenya.
Keywords: Business Process Reengineering, State owned Enterprises, Performance, Keny
Capitalizing on Agricultural Potential in Rwanda: Strategies for Sustainable Development
No full textThis paper examines gaps in agricultural knowledge transfer to smallholder farmers in Rwanda, focusing on the challenges and successes of agricultural development projects. Beginning with Rust et al.'s (2021) observations, which outlined many farmers' preference for learning from peers rather than traditional experts, the discussion focuses on how the trust deficit between farmers and agricultural researchers has harmed the effectiveness of development initiatives. Despite significant foreign investment in mechanization and large-scale agricultural projects like the Nasho and Kagitumba irrigation projects, the results have frequently been disappointing. This paper contrasts these large-scale efforts with successful models such as the European Union's DeSIRA program and the Sustainable Agriculture Community Partnership Program (SACPP), both of which have focused on participatory, locally adapted solutions that prioritize farmer involvement and respect for existing knowledge. The study demonstrates that, while Rwandan agriculture faces challenges, particularly in maize production, smallholder farms have enormous potential for increasing productivity through context-based innovations. The paper advocates for a shift from top-down, large-scale interventions to farmer-led processes that understand local conditions and foster long-term trust and respect. Successful models show that agricultural development in Rwanda can flourish by aligning strategies with farmers' realities and building trust through sustained, participatory engagement.
Keywords: Capitalizing, Agricultural Potential, Rwanda, Strategies, Sustainable Developmen